Wife

[john h]

I have been married 56 years to my wife. Like most any marriages we have had our ups and downs but we have come through it all even though I was gone to often being in the military.

About a year ago my wife developed dementia which is not unlike Alzheimer disease. She still knows who I am but this has been the toughest year of my life including combat in Vietnam. She is never left alone and I still work at age 80. I use a caregiver and take over when I get home from work. I do not know how so many people manage this. I am fortunate in that 30 years ago I purchased Long Term Care Insurance which pays for the Caregiver otherwise I would soon be bankrupt. I am determined to keep her at home as long as possible and she knows who I am. There is no let up with this disease and it will mentally wear you out no matter how tough you think you are. I suggest to all of you to look into Long Term Care Insurance unless you are rich. Very rich. The sports like the Cards and Cubs provide me with some relief on the weekends for which I am eternally grateful. Take care my friends.

 

[Dback Jon]

Sorry to hear about your wife - she is lucky to have someone so caring.

 

[moosehead]

As a caregiver I can empathize. Will include you and your wife in my prayers. It's not an easy life for either person....

 

[MrYeahBut]

John, you are a strong person and I commend you for your attitude.

 

[DemsMyBoys]

I'm so sorry, John. I was a caregiver for many years. I know how much it drains.... everything. Take care, John. You and your wife are both in my prayers.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I'm glad you have the 56 years together and wish you many more. Take care of her but take care of yourself too.

Steve

 

[82CardsGrad]

You're a great man John and your wife is extremely lucky to have you by her side.
Stay strong and God bless you both...

 

[Redheart]

John,

If I could send my thoughts and they would give you strength and comfort your loss while you felt my admiration as well as fear, that I would do.

Again and again until you sighed, smiled and said, "I know a place where I have brothers who love me."

 

[Catfish]

God be with both of you John. I certainly don't envy your circumstances, but I totally understand your commitment to her. Thank you for the heads-up on the insurance. Both of you will be in our prayers John. Good luck, and may God keep you strong.

 

[BigRedRage]

I have been married 56 years to my wife. Like most any marriages we have had our ups and downs but we have come through it all even though I was gone to often being in the military.

About a year ago my wife developed dementia which is not unlike Alzheimer disease. She still knows who I am but this has been the toughest year of my life including combat in Vietnam. She is never left alone and I still work at age 80. I use a caregiver and take over when I get home from work. I do not know how so many people manage this. I am fortunate in that 30 years ago I purchased Long Term Care Insurance which pays for the Caregiver otherwise I would soon be bankrupt. I am determined to keep her at home as long as possible and she knows who I am. There is no let up with this disease and it will mentally wear you out no matter how tough you think you are. I suggest to all of you to look into Long Term Care Insurance unless you are rich. Very rich. The sports like the Cards and Cubs provide me with some relief on the weekends for which I am eternally grateful. Take care my friends.

Thanks for Sharing, I am 30 and its good to know these kinds of things for mine and my wives future. Much respect for you for taking care of her even in such trying times. If it falls short and you need help, please set up an account I can donate to.

 

[Mitch]

Hats off to you and your wife, John! Keep on keepin' on!

 

[Longcolts]

Other than whats already been posted John, I don't have the words. Rest assured you will be in my prayers.

 

[AZ Native]

She is really lucky to have you, or maybe it was just meant to be. I know how difficult this is on you but be thankful for all the great years and those to come.

 

[oaken1]

Blessings on you John

 

[jw7]

I'm sorry and I know what you are going through. My late grandmother had full-blown alzheimers to the point where she couldn't find the bathroom w/o grandfather's help.

My mom is suffering dementia and it will probably be alz soon. Happened suddenly, when about a year ago there was a TV show or commercial on that mentioned "Disneyland".

Mom asked me "Have you ever been to Disneyland?"

Uhh yeah, you took me when I was a kid. It sucks. Sucks hard.

 

[desertdawg]

Prayers to you and yours John.

 

[seesred]

You are a great man! keep on going man. Think about you and your wife this sunday. We are married 47 years and have been together 51. We don't have anything like your going through and we both wish you both well.

GBR
40

 

[PJ1]

Praying for you and your wife. You will be rewarded for your compassion and loyalty.

 

[NeverSayDieFan]

Prayers lifted...

for you n' your wife. There are many difficult things in life that we face. The ones that involve our loved ones I think are the hardest. ie; when they're in pain; when they're suffering; when they're disappointed.

When I find myself or someone I love going through something I look at Jesus. He says to know me, " I KNOW what you're feelin'. I've been there, too."

I think one of the purposes to prayer is to simply say to God...

I can't handle this...it's too much for me...
Give me strength! YOUR strength! ...And then He does! To go 1 more minute, 1 more hour, 1 more day.

YOU and your wonderful wife are NOT alone, John! We, here on this board, care and God cares!

Mark and Nadia in SC

 

[Dr. Jones]

You're a great man John and your wife is extremely lucky to have you by her side.
Stay strong and God bless you both...

This times a million.

 

[New Mexico]

John, prayers to you and your wife. She sounds lucky to have you and I'm sure she knows it. Also, thanks so much for the advice.

 

[Heucrazy]

Are you service connected? You can get Spousal Aid & Attendance benefits from the VA as long as you are 30% or more. Every little bit helps.

 

[Darkside]

My heart goes out to you and yours, John.

 

[Mainstreet]

Best wishes John for you and yours. Stay strong.

Unfortunately Dementia and Alzheimers are becoming too frequent, something that many of us will have to deal with in one way or another.

 

[Krangodnzr]

John, you are one of the elder statesmen of this board and I feel fortunate to experience this team with you.

I wish the best for you and from a young Soldier to an older one, I know you can handle this! I deeply respect what you and your brothers went through in Vietnam.